Monsignor Robert

Ecker

-Robert Joseph Ecker was born to Catherine Fallon and John Jacob Ecker in Sheppton-Oneida, Pennsylvania on March 2, 1926. He was part of a family of five that included older brother John (Jack) and younger brother Edward, both of whom have predeceased him. The Eckers spent their summers in Montauk, NY, with Mrs. Ecker's sister Anna Fallon who owned Trail's End Restaurant, which was located in the original fishing village on the beach around Navy Road. The family moved to Montauk permanently in the mid 30's and lived in the home adjacent to the restaurant until 1938 when a hurricane forced them to move to lower Shepperd's Neck. Their lives revolved around the restaurant that had been relocated to what we now know as the Montauk village today. The restaurant was owned by the family for over 60 years. It was sold in the 80's and remains a fixture in Montauk to this day. Bob, as he was affectionately known was the last surviving member of the group of children who grew up in the old fishing village in that era. He attended Montauk Public School. Realizing his calling at a young age, Bob enrolled in St. Charles Seminary prep, Cantonville, Maryland. He acquired his bachelor's degree at Saint Mary's Seminary & College, Baltimore, Maryland. He also attended Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, NY. He would eventually go on to attend Fordham University, NY, for post-graduate studies where he earned a Master's in Theology. Bob was ordained June 9, 1951. He remains to this day the only ordained Priest out of the parish of St. Therese of Lisieux in Montauk, NY. Father Bob served as assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Angels (Brooklyn) and Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens), as well as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Our Lady of Angels (Brooklyn). He remained the servant of the Diocese of Brooklyn throughout his life though he was granted permission to join the United States Navy in 1962, where he had a long and storied career as a naval Chaplain. He served in many locations throughout the United States and the world during his time with the Navy. During those years he was elevated to the honorific title of Most Reverend Monsignor. He received several medals for his service in the US Navy. In his military career he served  many posts with one most memorable being in 1969 when Lieutenant Commander Ecker served with the 3rd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force PACIFIC , in Vietnam. He also in 1981 served as Senior Chaplain to Commander Naval Surface Forces PACIFIC in San Diego, California. He also served as Fleet Chaplain for the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. ATLANTIC Fleet/Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. In 1982 he was elevated to Domestic Prelate of the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY. He retired from the US Navy as a Captain in September 1991. After retirement he kept an active schedule, teaming up with his best friend Monsignor Thomas Campbell to do Parish Renewals throughout the country. Father maintained a home in Montauk but could always be found in his other beloved home of Coronado, California. He continued to enjoy his life there serving local churches and Christian organizations. He leaves a legacy of service, contribution, caring, and love. He was an extremely charismatic man who lived a very humble life. He was always known to his family as simply Father Bob and to dear close friends as Padre. Having been raised by his mother and his aunt Anna after his father was killed in a tree cutting accident one month after moving to Montauk, the Ecker brothers remained extremely close throughout their lives. And Father always maintained strong relationships with the children of his brothers. Each family member sharing a unique relationship with him. Father Bob always gave all credit and honor to his mother Catherine and his Aunt Anna, who provided he and his brothers with tremendous support, guidance, wisdom, and love throughout their lives. He is described by family and friends as unforgettable and truly one of a kind. His easy going nature, his devotion to peace, his incredible gift for storytelling, and great wit, made him a most lovable individual. His faith, steady guidance, and generosity were his greatest traits. He is survived by nephews Edward Ecker Jr., John Ecker Jr., and Charles Ecker, also nieces Karen Ecker Farquar, Cheryl Ecker Bloecker, Mary Morgan, Catherine Ecker Flanagan, Jacqueline Jarboe, and several great nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. A memorial mass was held in Scared Heart Church, Coronado, California on June 11th. The wake for Monsignor Ecker will be Tuesday, June 23rd at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home, 94 Pantigo Road, East Hampton from 4-8:00. The funeral will be the following day at 11:00 am at Saint Therese of Lisieux Church, 67 S. Essex Street, Montauk , NY., followed by Christian burial at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, 200 Cedar Street, East Hampton, NY.   A full obituary will appear in the East Hampton Star June 18th issue as well.